About three months ago, Italian police raided a luxury handbag factory that produces bags for Dior. And what they uncovered was shocking: immigrant workers were paid just $2 to $3 an hour, and forced to sleep inside the factory as they weren’t legally in the country. According to receipts found there, Dior bags cost LVMH around $57 to produce and are resold for a whopping $2,800. Read on, because we’re diving into how, post-Dior scandal, consumers are seriously rethinking their luxury purchases—and checking out which handbag brands are now in the spotlight.
Dior and Armani’s Scandal Bags
The luxury brand Armani, founded by the renowned Giorgio Armani, is also under the Italian police’s microscope. Their bags, too, are produced in Italian factories that hire low-paid Asian workers in questionable conditions. Each Armani bag costs around $270 to make and is sold for $2,000.
Defenders of Dior and Armani claim the high price tags are about the “intangible value of luxury”—think brand heritage, a finely crafted image, and that aura of glamour that’s meant to radiate when you carry one of these bags.
But many consumers are calling out LVMH and other luxury giants, accusing them of offering subpar products with shoddy craftsmanship. The luxury market is hiking prices while quality drops. Worse still, they’re accused of exploiting workers.
Are we seeing the beginning of the end for the luxury market? Too soon to say, but it’s getting harder to justify these sky-high prices when luxury bags are often made in Vietnam using the same systems that fast-fashion brands like H&M and Zara rely on.
Social Media Reacts
When news broke that a Dior supplier was using illegal, underpaid workers in horrendous conditions, social media went wild. Influencers started reviewing the quality of their Dior bags, some reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers. But then, poof—it all went silent. The TikTok and Instagram videos were mysteriously deleted, and no one’s mentioning it anymore. Officially, LVMH hasn’t commented on the incident, and legally, they aren’t responsible for what their suppliers do. Silence is Bernard Arnault’s ultimate luxury.
Which Bags Offer Real Luxury and Craftsmanship?
Hermés, Goyard and Chanel
- Hermès
Although a splurge (and then some), Hermès bags actually retain resale value. Each one is crafted by artisans across twelve leather workshops in France.
- Delvaux
Founded in Belgium in 1829 by Charles Delvaux, Delvaux is the oldest luxury leather goods brand in the world—80 years older than Hermès! Delvaux bags are still handmade and come with a lifetime guarantee.
- Goyard
The super-exclusive French handbag brand from 1853 doesn’t advertise, yet it’s a favourite among A-listers and royalty. You can only snag a Goyard bag at one of their eight boutiques worldwide or from select resellers.
Valextra, Bottega Veneta and Delvaux
- Valextra
Known as the “Hermès of Italy,” Valextra was founded in 1937 and strikes the perfect balance between past and present. Its materials and craftsmanship earn it a place in the true luxury category.
- Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta is praised by leather experts for its top-notch quality and impeccable European craftsmanship, made under fair working conditions.
- Chanel
Chanel, like Hermès, has resisted the temptation of easy profits. Chanel items, including its leather goods, are meticulously crafted under its signature “savoir-faire.”
High Quality and Fair Price
Not every luxury brand relies on overseas factories and exploitative labour. Brands like The Row, Loewe, and Phoebe Philo bring unique design and status with fair production systems. But these pieces are machine-sewn, and their leather is good but not amazing. Here are some fresh handbag brands offering quality, reasonable prices, and original design:
- Polène
@Polène
Polène’s Paris shop always has a queue of stylish girls waiting to enter. The design, quality, and price of Polène bags have made it a social media sensation. Founded in 2016 by three siblings, Polène bags are crafted in Ubrique, Spain, a renowned leather goods hub.
- DeMellier
@DeMellier
DeMellier is a British brand founded by Mireia Llusia-Lindh, a former strategic planner for Burberry and LVMH. Disillusioned by the luxury market, Mireia created DeMellier with a vision for high-quality, sustainable handbags.
- Manu Atelier
@ManuAteleier
Founded by Beste and Merve Manastır, daughters of one of Istanbul’s oldest leather artisans, Manu Atelier brings their father’s craftsmanship into the modern age.
- Dragon Diffusion
@DragonDiffusion
Founded in 1985 by Craig Wright, this Belgian brand is all about woven leather bags and baskets, each handcrafted in southern India, known for its skilled leather artisans.
- Hereu
@Hereu
Hereu, a Spanish brand founded in 2014, offers bags, shoes, and accessories made in Spain. Their designs are timeless, chic, and deeply rooted in Mediterranean sensibilities.
Conclusion
The scandals surrounding Dior and Armani have opened up a conversation about the luxury market that’s long overdue. Questions about quality, price, and the concept of status and glamour are all up for debate. As luxury consumers, it’s time to consider the brands that combine quality, sustainability, and fair trade. Where would you invest your holiday bonus?
Featured Image @shutterstock